THE UPPER RIVER 71 



absence of variety make it a wearisome piece 

 of water to fish. 



In the upper part where the river is narrower 

 and the stream more swift, I have endeavoured 

 to make pools by building three stone barricades 

 in the bed of the river, about a hundred yards 

 apart. This work can only be done in a hard 

 winter, when the river is very low and the 

 ice on it very thick. Large blocks of stone 

 are dragged on to the ice, which is then cut 

 and they are placed in position through it, and 

 joined with iron clamps. The work has been 

 very well and solidly done and looks as if 

 it would stand for centuries. These barricades 

 are islands ; a portion of the stream is allowed 

 to go between them and the nearer bank. This 

 prevents the great backwash which would other- 

 wise be created. The effect is already very 

 perceptible ; and is probably being much in- 

 creased by the floods of this year. In some 

 places the water is deepening ; in others, banks 

 are being thrown up. It is to be hoped that 

 the pools which are forming will suit the fancy 

 of the fish, but it is impossible to predict their 

 likes and dislikes in such matters. 



In this part of the river a good deal more 



